Animal Rights Group's Petition for Severe Punishment Gains Rapid Support
Victimized Dog Owner Reports Secondary Harm
Public outrage has erupted over an incident in Geoje, Gyeongnam, where three men, including active-duty soldiers, fired hundreds of BB pellets at pet dogs, resulting in the death of one dog. More than 30,000 people have already signed a petition demanding severe punishment for the perpetrators.
An incident occurred in Geoje, Gyeongnam, where two active-duty Marine soldiers indiscriminately fired BB guns at four pet dogs along with civilians. One dog died, and two suffered eye injuries. The police plan to file charges under the Animal Protection Act and other relevant laws. Screenshot from Beagle Rescue Network Instagram
The animal rights group Beagle Rescue Network announced on the 24th that the number of petition signatures calling for harsh punishment for those responsible for the recent restaurant BB gun attack on dogs has surpassed 30,000. The online petition campaign has been widely shared on various social networking services (SNS).
The organization has reported the perpetrators to the police on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act, special trespassing, special property damage, and violations of the Act on the Safety Control of Firearms, Swords, and Explosives.
In the petition, the group stated that the perpetrators "herded defenseless dogs, unable to escape, into a corner and fired BB pellets at point-blank range as if hunting," adding that "they also threw stones, kicked, punched, and even filmed videos of their actions."
The group further criticized the incident, stating, "This is not simply animal abuse, but a deliberate, premeditated, and organized act of violence, and a cruel crime that shows disregard for life," and emphasized, "Such brutal acts of animal cruelty are extremely dangerous and malicious crimes that can also pose harm to people."
The organization plans to submit the petition and signatures to the police, demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate punishment. The group also intends to call for a transparent investigation and strong punishment from the military authorities, as well as stricter penalties for acts of brutal animal abuse.
Seven-year-old 'Somsomi' (left), who was hit by BB pellets fired by three men including active-duty soldiers at a restaurant in Geoje, Gyeongnam. Somsomi was taken to the hospital with eyes swollen bright red and bruises all over the body but ultimately passed away. JTBC capture
Previously, at around 1 a.m. on June 8, three men in their twenties fired hundreds of BB pellets at four dogs in the yard of a restaurant in Irun-myeon, Geoje, severely injuring two dogs, one of which later died during treatment.
At the time, the three men in their twenties were staying at a pension, and it was confirmed that two of them were active-duty Marines. They fired BB guns at four pet dogs tied up in the yard of a nearby restaurant, resulting in the death of one dog and leaving two others at risk of blindness due to eye injuries.
The owner of the dogs, who was a victim of the incident, appeared in a video and reported suffering secondary harm from the families of the perpetrators.
The victimized dog owner said, "The parents of the perpetrators came and cursed at us, saying, 'You're all dead,' and took photos of our house. They also threatened to file a false accusation lawsuit against us. I am terrified. I am already under a lot of mental stress, but when they came and said, 'You're all dead,' it was horrifying, and I am scared to even stay at home. Whenever a car passes by on the street, I am afraid it might be them. Because of this, my mother is even considering moving."
Meanwhile, the police have transferred the case involving the two active-duty Marines to the military unit. The remaining civilian is being investigated for violations of the Animal Protection Act and property damage.
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